MLS Matchday 25 Preview 🔮 | OneFootball

More Major League Soccer action takes place this weekend as we move one step closer to the end of the season.

Here are the biggest talking points ahead of Saturday and Sunday’s action.

Fixture of the weekend

This was an easy pick! The race for first in the Eastern Conference continues to be tight, and the top two will meet in a mouth-watering clash on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati are two of the best and rightfully sit neck-and-neck.

The Florida side currently sits at the top with a two-point lead. Having neither Lionel Messi nor Luis Suarez to rely on has been alright for Tata Martino’s men, who have four wins from their last four with their stars participating in the Copa América. They will, however, be without Jordi Alba and Diego Gómez through suspension. They won’t want to leave scoring the winner until near the 90-minute mark this time around.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, have a game in hand. Therefore, a win in front of home fans at TQL Stadium means they could grab a four-point lead if they win both. The reigning Supporters Shield winners have one Luciano Acosta firing on all cylinders, leading MLS in assists (15). Cincinnati notably lost their last match at home to New England Revolution, while their opponents are unbeaten in eight on the road.

Player to watch

We’re drawing your attention to a rivalry matchup in the North as Vancouver makes the trip to CF Montreal. Buckle up, Canada!

One Ryan Gauld will want to continue his blistering form as the Whitecaps look to make a late push for the top spot in the Western Conference.

The captain’s recent performances have helped his side consistently move up the standings, and he now has a staggering 16 goal contributions in his last 17 appearances.

Without him pulling the strings, Vancouver would have only 19 points from their current 31. That would have them in 27th place rather than fifth where they are now. They also have two games in hand, meaning they could potentially be seven off of leaders Los Angeles FC.

Three questions ahead of Matchday 25

Can RSL finally establish themselves?

All eyes will be on the race in the East, but don’t forget things are getting tasty on the other side of the continent. It’s truly a three-way race for the top spot in the West with LAFC, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake all in the running. As we enter matchday 25, it’s time to unearth whether or not the third club in that sentence can hang with the others.

RSL’s highest conference finish is second, the last time being over 10 years ago in 2013. History is within reach this season, and a meeting with Atlanta United is next. Current Golden Boot leader Cristian Arango will hope to end his scoring drought and lead RSL to their 12th win of the season. If LAFC slips up, the two will be tied at the top.

Can John Herdman get back on track?

When Toronto FC initially hired John Herdman as their new head coach, they looked revitalized with 10 points from their first 15 available. However, they have just one win from their last 10 matches and are on a run of five losses in a row. Sitting in eighth, they are on the brink of dropping out of the final series play-offs.

Up next is a trip to face third-place Columbus Crew. On paper, it looks like a monumental task for Toronto to bring all three points back to Canada but there’s no better inspiration than being an underdog. And what better way to shake off a sluggish run of form than with a victory against the reigning MLS Cup champions?

Who will end the day on the bottom?

Following on the strugglers trend, we turn your attention to the bottom of the table. With a mere 11 points from 21 games, San Jose Earthquakes look likely to finish bottom of the West. But things are a bit different in the East as D.C. United and Philadelphia Union sit tied on 20 points heading into matchday 25, with only four wins each this season.

Troy Lesesne’s side has only finished in the top 10 once in the last four seasons, and it’s been 10 years since they won it all. D.C. United have made several new signings, including Austrian left-back David Schnegg and veteran forward Dominique Badji. However, the duo won’t be available for the upcoming clash with Orlando City. Can they break their 10-game streak without a win?

Meanwhile, two years ago, the Philadelphia Union joyfully sang and celebrated as Eastern Conference Champions. How quickly things can change in sport. The club is eight without a win (including five consecutive losses), and despite showing promising signs, have conceded a stoppage-time winner in four of its last five matches. Up next is the New York Red Bulls, who the Union are currently on a 12-game unbeaten streak against. Is there where they finally change their fate?